Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

My Gym Bethesda & My Gym Potomac offer outdoor classes and more

This guest post is from My Gym Bethesda & My Gym Potomac. We hope you take advantage of their many programming options with your Bambinos.

My Gym Potomac and My Gym Bethesda are excited to bring new OUTDOOR CLASSES to both Bethesda and Potomac! Our same great interactive and fun fitness classes just with smaller groups, social distancing and we are wearing masks. Our traditional grown-up and baby, independent and sibling classes are available. We have also added gymnastics and dance to our outdoor offerings.

Want to learn more about our very popular private POD PLAY DATES? We can bring PE or gymnastics fun to your back-yard Pod school group just one time or on weekly basis with a fun My Gym teacher to lead kids safely in fitness and games and fun.

We also have opened INSIDE in Potomac for small group private play dates, camps (Weds. 1-4pm and Thursday 9:30am-12:30am,) in-gym classes and Birthday Parties. Click here to see our updated cleaning protocols.

We also have ZOOM classes available for those who prefer them for just $50 monthly for unlimited Zoom at home!

We hope to see all the kids at My Gym soon! Please feel free to email or text us any questions at My Gym Potomac or My Gym Bethesda or check out our complete websites: My Gym Potomac & My Gym Bethesda.

Virtual camps from unexpected places

We understand the endless emails you receive with classes and camps which is why we condense our picks into just sporadic posts. This group of camps we are super excited for and the best part is that most are free and come from unexpected sources that are sure to having you fill up some more of your Bambinos day.

This summer, Apple Camp gives kids ages 8–12 FREE, fun, digital programs that they can experience from home. Choose from three creative projects to explore: video, art & design, and coding. Apple Camp projects include a self-guided Activity Book that Campers can complete at their own pace, and live, virtual Orientation sessions for guidance and Q&A sessions in case they need a little help. If you find that all sessions are full, we’ll be adding new sessions each week. Check back regularly for availability. In the meantime, Campers can download the Activity Book and work on their own

Camp TFK (Time for Kids) starts July 6! Join us for a whole new way to experience summer camp during a decidedly different sort of summer. Throughout July, the TFK team will create and curate daily roundups of FREE, kid-safe content that parents can trust and kids can enjoy on their own, or with minimal oversight. Campers will explore arts and crafts, sports and games, performance skills, scientific concepts, and the elements of storytelling—all in the safety of your base camp: home. Sign up to learn more!

Each day of Camp Kiwi Co is centered around a super fun theme. We’ve pulled together DIY activities, videos, printables, and more. Sign up for Camp and they’ll send more information about camp and other KiwiCo offerings! Purchase optional crates if you’d like. Note: all the content (videos, printables, DIY activities) for Camp KiwiCo are FREE and available to anyone! If you’d like to add more to your camper’s day, you can order the crates they have handpicked to go with each day’s theme. The content will be available all summer long, so you can access the sessions at any time that works best for you!

Camp Tinkergarten is 8 weeks of expert-designed activities that are easy on you and delightful for kids and are FREE. Releasing one new week of activities each Friday. The Camp Tinkergarten Map allows you and kids to get excited about our 8 themes and track your child’s progress throughout the summer. They’ll discover how to keep cool, enjoy a Silly Summer Olympics, and more. Sign up above to get your Trail Map by email today! With versions for baby, toddler, preschool and elementary ages, all kids can enjoy and develop our 8 core skills as they play.

DreamWorks Animation project presents #CampDreamWorks which is FREE. #CampDreamWorks is a seven week program that DreamWorks Animation has created to help families staying at home this summer due to COVID-19 by providing weekly show-inspired activities and livestreams, including arts and crafts, sing-alongs and more.

The Story Pirates Creator Camp $$
For the month of July, best-selling children’s book authors and illustrators will connect directly with hundreds of young people via the Story Pirates Creator Camp. Participating Random House Children’s Books authors and illustrators include Mary Pope Osborne (The Magic Tree House series), Nic Stone (Dear Martin, Clean Getaway), Danica McKellar (Goodnight, Numbers), Lincoln Peirce (Max & the Midknights, Big Nate), Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Grandma’s Purse, Just Like Me), and Judd Winick (Hilo). During four week-long sessions, kids will also enjoy hours of interactive live-streamed activities hosted by Story Pirates teaching artists.

  • July 6 – July 10: Illustration Vacation, featuring award-winning authors and illustrators Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Oge Mora, and Lauren Castillo talking about how they blend words and pictures in their books Just Like Me, Our Friend Hedgehog. and The Oldest Student
  • July 13 – July 17: Camp Cartoonist, featuring graphic novelist Judd Winnick sharing how he created the world of Hilo, his beloved middle-grade series. Artists Lincoln Peirce and Lucy Knisley will also discuss their recent works, Max & the Midknights and Stepping Stones.
  • July 20 – July 24: Story Pirates in Space! featuring author Danica McKellar talking about her new book, The Times Machine! Additional special guests this week are The Magnificent Makers series author Theanne Griffith, a brain scientist by day, as well as Dean of the Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences, astrophysicist,and author of Child of the Universe Ray Jayawardhana discussing “Our Cosmic Selves.”
  • July 27 – July 31: Time Travel Adventure is the topic of week 4, featuring author Nic Stone talking about her New York Times bestselling middle-grade novel Clean Getaway. Mary Pope Osborne, renowned for her internationally bestselling Magic Tree House series, will be discussing her William Shakespeare focused story Stage Fright on a Summer Night. Finally, fiction and nonfiction author Kate Messner will talk about her new series, History Smashers.

Related Posts:
Virtual Camps
Virtual Classes

Virtual summer camp options

While you can expect the summer to look much different than previous ones, you can count on most camps to have gone to a virtual option. Here is our 2020 summer camp guide where you can most likely click on a camp and see what their virtual offerings are. Below we have highlighted a few smaller organizations definitely worth supporting!

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts will be offering Art in the Park!  Meet at Montrose Park in Georgetown. Tuesday, June 16th or 23rd.  4-5 yr. olds from 9:30am-10:30.  A parent or caregiver must be present. Camp options at this point are Thursday, June 18th or 25th. 6-8 yr. olds from 9:30am-10:30. Only groups of 6 children. All will have been isolating and free of the virus. Bring your own art supplies, drink and snack. Social distancing and hand sanitizing will be strictly enforced. Masks are required for everyone. Please take into consideration that the restroom at Montrose Park is a public facility. There will be a teacher and a helper. Cost is $30

Arts on the Horizon has moved June summer camps online. Each weekly session has a different theme that will be explored through music, movement, stories, games, crafts, and more. Now you can explore in your own home! Camp will run Monday – Friday ​10am-10:45am. June 15 – 19, 2020 for ages 3-6: All the Places You Can Go and June 22 – 26, 2020 for ages 3-6: Musical Wonders. $65 Per Child Per Session (includes supply kit)

Secret Agent Society (SAS) is a breakthrough social skills approach for 8 to 12-year-old children, with a range of different social and emotional challenges. SAS has fun, espionage-themed resources and program that helps children learn how to feel happier, calmer and braver. It also teaches them how to make friends and keep them. This camp is designed for kids who identify with High functioning Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anger management difficulties. Other general challenges with friendships, team work, conversations or staying calm.

In YogArt, kids 5 and up have the opportunity to express themselves through movement and art. Join Dayna Heater for a class that includes breathing, yoga poses, games and mindful activities. Then, in collaboration with All Fired Up, kids will paint a piece of pottery related to that week’s theme which include: Ocean Life, Space Exploration, Going on Safari and Enchanted and Spellbound. This four-week series takes place via Zoom on Mondays June 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10:00-11:00 and costs $130. The fee includes a set of brushes, paints, each week’s piece of pottery and having the piece glazed and fired. Art kits can be picked up at either Past Tense or the Cleveland Park location of All Fired Up on Sunday afternoon. After your kiddo paints their pottery, you can drop it off at All Fired Up and you’ll get a call when it’s ready for pick up. Please note: Pre-registration is required by June 6.

Healthy Cooking Camp Goes Virtual!
Taught by Natasha Nadel, Cookbook Author, Middle School Food Appreciation Teacher and Mom. Register now to receive art materials before camp starts, and to receive grocery/equipment list/menu 7-10 days before camp begins. Monday – Friday, 2pm-5pm [On Zoom] $195 per camper and a $75 Sibling rate. Campers will cook both a dinner and dessert every day and create fun art projects. You will receive an ingredient list approximately 7 days before camp begins. You will need to buy the groceries, but I will supply any difficult to find ingredients and the art project materials. It is important to register as early as possible so that I may order and deliver your art supplies. I apologize for the relatively short registration window, due to the continually changing situation. A note about allergies– We may be using peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. All recipes will be plant-based.

Miss Amy’s Music Makers is offering a 6 week online Music Together summer session via Zoom and Facebook Live for you and your little ones featuring the Kazoo collection starting June 30! With Music Together Online, Miss Amy will bring music class to your living room. Like all our classes, the program is designed to teach the way young children learn: through play! Your whole family will have a blast singing, dancing, and jamming along to Kazoo collection songs during our weekly classes. Digital family resources, including recordings and bonus activities through our award-winning Hello Everybody app, plus a hard copy songbook, and CD that will be mailed directly to you and will inspire you to make music all day.  We will offer two weekly zoom and face book live classes a week plus a prerecorded video weekly to play whenever and wherever you choose!  Facebook live or zoom on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings! Private group invites sent after enrollment! ENROLL HERE

Join the Confetti Play Adventure Camp, Virtual Edition, with a thrilling all-day adventure in week long camps that offer fun, socialization, physical activity, creativity, problem solving, play, and learning! There are puzzles to solve, clues to find, and information to learn as campers move through adventures at exciting locations throughout the world, learning and playing as they go!  Camps meet virtually from 10am-4:30pm Monday-Friday starting June 8 and are lead by an engaging Confetti camp counselor, who is available (virtually) to your child during the full camp hours. There will be independent hands-on work away from the computer and physical activity. See more details on the daily schedule available on our website. A supply list of minimal, readily available materials will be provided so your child can have all they need for the week of exploration! This camp is best suited for children who have a comfort-level with reading independently. Younger campers can participate, but will require assistance from someone at home to engage in the activities. They also offer Confetti Explorer Kits (Summer Camp-in-a-Box!) Enrich your child’s summer and spark their curiosity with our unique Explorer Kits. Offering a range of themes, Explorer Kits offer a curated set of activities, games, experiments, cooking and crafts to engage your child – think of it as summer camp in a box! Weekly themes for the Virtual Edition are:

  • Adventure at the Smithsonian: June 8-12
  • Adventure on Mt. Everest: June 15-19
  • Adventure to Egypt: June 22-26
  • Adventure at the Louvre: June 29-July 3
  • Adventure to Ancient Greece: July 6-July 10
  • Adventure for the Quill of Beethoven: July 13-17
  • Adventure with the Ivory Queen: July 20-24
  • Adventure at the Library: July 27-31

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Subscription boxes for children

Tudor Place is full of fun for families

Tudor Place is a historical landmark, completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. It is located at 1644 31st Street NW., Washington DC 20007. They offer programs for families, adults, camps and more. Below are some upcoming events for your family to check out.

Tudor Tot Fridays
Storytime, songs, and crafts for toddlers and caregivers. Dates & themes below:

  • April 17 – Earth Day
  • April 24 – Gardeners
  • May 1 – Dance
  • May 8 – Everyday Superheroes
  • May 15 – Citizenship
  • May 22 – Cars
  • May 29 – Foxes
  • June 5 – Family
  • June 12 – Sports
  • June 19 – Freedom
  • June 26 – Yankee Doodle
  • July 10 – Bugs
  • July 17 – Water
  • July 24 – Music

Weekend Tots: Hello Spring! March 28 from 10am-10:45am
Read, sing, play, and say hello to spring in the picturesque gardens with Tudor Tots.

Eggstravaganza: April 4, 9, 10 & 11
Egg hunt, egg roll, and crafts. Take photos with the Easter Bunny!

5th Annual Earth Day Plant Sale & Picnic: April 26 from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the Tudor Place grounds, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Spend an afternoon experiencing the historic gardens. Bring your own picnic and blanket.

Summer Camp- Creature Comforts: August 3-7
Whether crafted from sticks and soil or bricks and plaster, there are all sorts of places to live at Tudor Place. Embark on an investigative journey to learn who (and what!) makes a home on the grounds and see what it takes to keep it safe, warm, and cozy. Campers will explore indoors and outdoors

Summer Camp- Environmental Science and Sustainability: August 10-14
Partnering with Urban Adventure Squad for the second year they have planned a spectacular week of hands-on learning at one of the first National Historic Landmarks in America. Tudor Place and UAS are combining forces to offer a unique, hyperlocal historical experience that will be enriching, exciting, and physically active. Campers will explore how waste management and eco-friendly practices have changed over time by learning how the Peter family got rid of their waste, heated and powered their home, and took care of stormwater management, and then find out how if these things are done differently now. This program will include off-campus adventures–trips between 1 and 4 miles on-foot and using public transportation–and plenty of outdoor time. 

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Tudor Place

Spring break camps in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

Maryland

Red Panda Art Studio– TBA
(5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
Join a full session of sensory play and art activities related to the day’s theme. Join for one day or all week! Camp is for kids ages 3-8.

Brit-Am Soccer– April 6-10, 2020
(Next Level: 5420 Butler Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
This camp is great for every soccer player in Kindergarten-grade 6, experienced or beginner. Each day starts with a full camp activity which consists of energetic games to get them excited and ready for play. The players are then divided into groups, where they will work on their individual skills and play lots of fun small sided games. Each morning of camp will finish off with the World Cup Competition which is a small tournament with prizes for the winners. During the week we also hold mini competitions to find the “Best Dressed Soccer Uniform” and “Crazy Soccer Hat”. The afternoons are all about scoring goals with shooting games and small group and individual competitions. Campers play their favorite games such as power finesse, swedish fish and penalty shoot outs. After-care option is available.

My Gym– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(Bethesda & Potomac locations)
When school is off, My Gym camp is on! Drop your kids ages 3-9 off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym including themed games, crafts, gymnastics, sports and snack! Potty Independent please.

Dance Exchange– April 6-10, 2020
(7117 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912)
Keep your young mover active during breaks as they explore dance in many forms—and create their own choreography. In these week-long camps, youth ages 6-10 move and make alongside Dance Exchange artists and guest artists to explore dance from tango to hip hop, classical to contemporary. Youth will explore what dance and creativity is and can do—both in the studio and out in the world. Camps end with youth blending what they learn into original choreography. 

KOA Multisport Camp– April 6-10, 2020
(4960 Boiling Brook Parkway North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Spring Break means school’s out, so lets’s play! Join Koa Sports for our Multisport Spring Break Camp at Koa HQ. This camp is for kids in PreK- grade 8 looking to be active and have fun while school is out for the week. They have access to outdoor fields at Jewish Day Upper School & swimming will take place at Kids First Swim School (under Koa HQ). This program does have limited registration, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

CREATE Arts Center– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(914 Silver Spring Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Campers ages 6-12 spend each day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more! Flexible day-by-day registration is available as is before and after-care.

Badlands– April 6-10, 2020
(5200 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852)
Due to popular demand, Badlands is launching their first ever Spring Break Camp. Join for five days of themed activities and learning. From Disney day to wacky hair day… EVERY day will be an adventure.

Imagination Stage– April 6-10, 2020
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Imagination Stage offers week-long Spring Break camps jam-packed with acting, dance, musical theatre, and creative drama for students in grades K-12 to enjoy during their days off of school.

MSA– April 6-10, 2020
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring Break multi-sports and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Before and after-care available.

Dynamite Gymnastics– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4956 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852)
(16814 Oakmont Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, Dynamite offers “School’s Out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of gymnastics instruction, free play, arts and crafts, and games! 

Bolt Parkour– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4950 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a place for your kids to get all that energy out during vacation and days off from school? Bring them to Bolt for an awesome camp experience including parkour instruction, races, games, and free play! Bolt offers day camp programs for kids and teens ages 6 and up.

The Agility Center– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4990 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, send them to “school’s out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of obstacle course, trampoline and tumbling instruction, practice/play time, arts and crafts, and games. Offering different options: full day, half day morning or afternoon, with or without lunch, and before and after care.

Glen Echo Aquarium– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD 20812)
The Glen Echo Park Aquarium (GEPA) offers spring break camps (single day) for children ages 4-7 and 8-12. These are 6 hour long camps that include exploring the outdoors, discovering the aquatic and terrestrial world, performing science experiments, and creating art and crafts to enhance learning.

Valley Mill– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(15101 Seneca Rd Germantown, MD 20874)
Valley Mill Camp offers a Spring Break Camp for children ages 5 to 14.
Weather permitting, they do their usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games, playing in the creek, and hikes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, campers check out indoor adventures. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Silver Stars Gymnastics– April 6-18, 2020
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, MD 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack.  You can choose one day or the full week.  Camp is for children in grades K-5.

The Children’s Art Studio– April 6-9, 2020
(Bethesda Elementary School: 7600 Arlington Rd Bethesda, MD 20814)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

Virginia

The St. James– April 6-10, 2020
(6805 Industrial Rd Springfield, VA 22151)
All sports, all day. From basketball and flag football to dance, gymnastics, swimming and lacrosse, these camps are designed for the ultimate sports enthusiast. They are offering 5 different camps! Experience a state of the art facility and expert instruction. Full day and half day options.

Tea with Mrs. B– April 6-10, 2020
(136 W Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046)
They offer a one of a kind camp experience for kids ages 4-12. Daily activities include: high tea with healthy snacks, crafts and games, exercise at the local park, dance and dress up. They also always afford time for good-old fashioned play, too. By becoming part of the camp, your child will be entitled to an on-going skill building program, honing good manners, proper etiquette and social graces. Broaden your child’s experiences by giving them the gift of comportment while having fun.

Congressional Camp: An Adventure a Day– April 6-9, 2020
(3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd Falls Church, VA 22042)
–Vacation Club: Come join the fun with our Great Adventures team! Children in PreK – grade 2 will love hanging out with their friends and exploring everything our campus has to offer, including our playgrounds, computer labs, and creek walks. Each day, campers will do a fun art, science, or cooking project led by our creative staff who are known for developing a safe, nurturing environment.
–Spring Explorers: Do you enjoy taking adventurous field trips with friends? Each day, children in grade 1-9th grade will visit a different destination in the Greater D.C. area. Exciting trips in the past have included places like local parks, the National Air and Space Museum, putt-putt, Wolf Trap, and water parks, just to name a few. Come experience this spring edition of our popular travel camp programs!
–Colonials & Coasters: Join a 4 day, 3 night Spring Break trip! Campers in grads 3-9 will start by visiting the Williamsburg area to go to historic Williamsburg to explore how Colonial Americans lived and worked before starting the Coasters portion of our trip by spending a full day at Busch Gardens. The group will end its trip by traveling to Kings Dominion to tackling the many Coasters there.

Robot Works– April 6-10, 2020
(8992 Fern Park Drive, Burke, VA 22015)
Let’s build robots during Spring Break! Design, build, and program robots each day. Learn robot design, construction and programming using Mindstorms EV3 or the Arduino microcontroller, including mechanical structure, motors, gears, power, sensors, and much more. Before and after-care available.

Ever Wonder Camp– April 6-10, 2020 & April 13, 2020
(Mount Olivet United Methodist Church: 1500 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA)
Your children in PreK-grade 5 will jump into a time machine and travel back in time to “dig through the decades.”  In this awesome camp they’ll explore the science, technology, engineering, art and math behind the decades.  They’ll twist, shout, doo-wop and be-bop through the 1950’s, create the fashions of the hippies in the 1960’s, love the lava lamp through the 1970’s, “Phone home” in the 1980’s, make your own gadgets in the 1990’s and so much more! Before and after-care option available.
–Backyard Bash Camp on April 13 is the camp’s tradition to celebrate the last day of our school-year camps and this year it is going to be a backyard bash!
There will be a photo booth, a moonbounce, s’mores and play lots of minute to win it games.  This you do not want to miss!

Arts on the Horizon: Stories Come to Life: Under the Big Top– April 6-10, 2020
(1801 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302)
Step right up and join the greatest show on Earth! Will you become a clown? Will you tame the lions? Maybe you’ll stand in the center as the ringleader! In this creative drama camp, you will use your actor tools (body, voice, and imagination) to bring the Circus to your town! Camp is for children ages 3-6.

Mason Community Arts Academy– April 6-10, 2020
(4260 Chain Bridge Rd Fairfax, VA 22030)
Taught by Acting for Young People faculty, young actors ages 5-12 will experience a variety of games, activities, and projects from our regular theater curriculum of acting, voice, and movement. Various workshops may include improvisation, musical theater, writing a short play – and much more! 

Browne Summer Camp– March 23-27, 2020
(5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310)
Warmer weather is just around the corner! Campers in PreK- grade 6 will indulge in one week of fun with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and field trips. Before and after-care options available.

Ashburn Ice House– April 6-10, 2020
(21595 Smith Switch Rd Ashburn, VA 20147)
Learn to Skate USA Camp. Perfect for beginners or intermediate skaters. Campers will enjoy a daily lesson, ice activities and time to practice their skills. Half and full-day options.

Encore Stage and Studio- April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)
Journey with Encore as they explore the exciting music, movement, and madness of popular stories! Each day they focus on a new theme. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment. Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre: May The Force Be With You– April 6-10, 2020
(Heritage Presbyterian Church: 8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria VA 22308)
Join a galaxy far, far away as they bring the world of Star Wars to life through theatre games, crafts, and the creation of their own Star Wars play!  Channel your inner Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Rey or Yoda to bring to life the strong, dynamic characters of this galactic series.  Learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, develop story-telling skills, and expand your actor’s toolbox in this fun filled spring break experience.  K-8th Grades.  Camps are led by professional teaching artists experienced in working with kids and teens.

SkateQuest– April 6-10, 2020
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, VA 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12. Friday is a half-day for all, before and after-care available Mon-Thur only.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex– April 6-10, 2020
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, VA 20166)
Bring your child ages 4-13, to The Michael & Son Sportsplex At Dulles for a week of fun this spring break camp. If your child enjoys sports or wants to try new sports, this is the camp for you. Your child will have a week of fun, learning and playing sports that might include flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and others. Drop-in’s are welcome, half day and full day options are available.

Washington, DC

The Children’s Art Studio– April 13-17, 2020
(Capital Memorial Church: 3150 Chesapeake St NW
Washington, DC 20008)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

DC Way Soccer Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G Street SE, 20003)
(RFK Fields: 401 Oklahoma Ave NE, 20002)
Spring into soccer with DC Way’s Spring Break Camp! DC Way’s camp provides players the opportunity to work on technical soccer skills as well as participate in fun games. The DC Way team leads energetic games that combine learning and fun! Your kid will get the most out of their spring break while developing both soccer and cognitive skills in just a few days! Half day, full day, before and after-care options!

HoopEd– March 23-27, 2020 & April 13-17, 2020
(Various locations)
Basketball and all sports camp for kids ages 5-13. After-care is available. 

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(3001 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Spring is in the air, but flowers aren’t the only things blooming. So are new programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! This spring break, sign your child up for FONZ’s Spring Safari Day Camp! Each of the Spring Safari programs explores the lives, habitats and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments and walks through the Zoo. There’s no better way to spend your spring break than with Friends of the National Zoo! Before and after-care option available.

Anna Banana Art– April 13-17, 2020
(3207 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Camp begins with an inspired art project  such as Monet or van Gogh. A break for snack, and weather permitting, we take it outside for some fresh air, blowing giant bubbles, running around and games at the Jelleff field across the street.  Back to the studio to complete projects or free choice with clay, drawing with pens, pencils or markers. Camp is for 4 -8 year olds and runs from 9:30am-12:30pm. 

The Theatre Lab– April 13-17, 2020
(733 8th Street NW. Washington, DC 20001)
Spring Break Camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children grades 1-6, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Before and after-care option available.

Home Run Baseball Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Friendship Park Recreation Center: 4500 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Coach Julia Heimstra and an experienced co-ed staff will lead a high energy camp with the same format as the summer camp at AU Park in NW, Washington, DC. Full ground ball and fly ball square drill, over one hundred swings in batting practice, and two full games per day. Groups will be broken up by age and teams will be fair and games will be competitive. Full and half day options for kids ages 4-12.

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Summer camps for 2020

President’s Day in and around Washington, DC

Monday-

President’s Day Camps taking place on February 17, 2020:
Anna Banana Art: Half-day
Badlands: Special holiday event only
Brit-Am Soccer at Next Level
Glen Echo Park Aquarium Mini-Camp: Mystery of the Dead Whale (Ages 4-8)
KID Museum: Open 10am-5pm
Koa: Multi-sport camp
My Gym Bethesda: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm
My Gym Potomac: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm
PPA at Washington Episcopal School

DCPS mid-winter break camps taking place all week long

9:00am-5:00pm: Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mt. Vernon
Celebrate the first President on the most exciting day of the year for FREE or pay admission any other day, children under 5 are free! Story time, character performances, card making, birthday cake and more. See link above for a complete list of the day’s events!

9:30am: Harambe at BloomBars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambee at BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambee” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $7 per child $5 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds.

10:00am-3:00pm: Library of Congress Semi-Annual Open House
Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room to share information about how the public can access the Library’s resources year-round. The Main Reading Room will be open to the public on the federal Presidents’ Day holiday. Various activities taking place throughout the day.

10:00am-5:30pm: American History Museum
Check out the American Presidency exhibit, The First Ladies contributions, George Washington sculpture, Star Spangled flag and anthem that plays on the second floor and more. Be sure to visit the kids Spark!Lab where they will become inventors. 

10:00am-4:00pm: The Lane
Check out DC’s newest indoor space, purchase tickets online.

10:00am-4:00pm: Visit the US President’s Gallery at Madame Tussauds
We had a blast when we made a trip to the iconic wax museum. Read all about it.

10:30pm and 2:30pm: Disney on Ice Worlds presents Celebrate Memories
Your favorite Disney stories come to life at Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories! Sail along with Moana on her high-seas adventure and dance with Woody, Buzz and all the Toy Story friends. Feel inspired when love wins in Frozen and dreams come true for the Disney Princesses. Share the excitement and make new memories the whole family will treasure forever! Create memories with your family today -Tickets Start at $15

1:00pm-3:00pm: George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria
It winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town on President’s Day. It is the oldest and largest, thanks to thousands of participants.

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